Senecia caused a major upset in the BoyleSports Webster Cup Chase at Navan, defeating odds-on favourite El Fabiolo with a stunning 50-1 victory.
Trained by Vincent Halley and ridden by Philip Enright, Senecia led from the front, taking control early in the Grade Two contest. All attention was on El Fabiolo, a four-time Grade One winner trained by Willie Mullins, who was making just his second start of the season after falling at Leopardstown last month.
Despite El Fabiolo moving into contention with five fences to jump, Senecia refused to back down, producing a determined display to hold off the 4-11 favourite by a length and a quarter.
Owner Laurence Halley was thrilled with the unexpected triumph, saying:
“Wonderful, wonderful! A brave horse and he’s a great jumper. He was highly tried, and we thought the ground would find him out today, but he handled it well.”
Halley revealed that Senecia, a €16,500 foal, was retained due to the Covid-19 pandemic and that Navan has been a lucky track for him in the past. The Fortria Chase at Fairyhouse or Punchestown is now a likely next step.
Champ Kiely Delivers in Flyingbolt Novice Chase
While El Fabiolo fell short of expectations, Mullins still had success on the day as Champ Kiely delivered a commanding performance in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase.
The Grade One novice hurdle winner, who spent 614 days off the track before making a winning debut over fences at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day, was eased to Grade Three company for this contest. Despite the presence of second-placed Jeannot Lapin, jockey Paul Townend always had control, guiding Champ Kiely to a comfortable eight-length victory.
Mullins praised the performance, saying:
“He put in a good round of jumping and galloped to the line. Coming back to two miles didn’t harm him, so I’m very pleased.”
Although Champ Kiely holds an entry for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, Mullins hinted at a different target, suggesting the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse over two and a half miles may be a better fit.
Prince Palace Claims Novice Handicap Chase for Fahy and Sexton
In the Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase, Prince Palace (7-2) provided trainer Pat Fahy and jockey Harry Sexton with a well-earned victory, beating Shantreusse by three lengths.
Fahy was delighted with the win, acknowledging Prince Palace’s steady improvement:
“He never won anything before, but he has been coming along nicely. A few lovely runs, and it worked out today. We only get the odd big one!”
The trainer also praised Sexton’s composure, adding:
“He is getting very cool, not panicking. He keeps the whip down and is getting better and better.”
A Day of Surprises at Navan
Senecia’s shock victory over El Fabiolo was the biggest surprise of the day, while Mullins found success with Champ Kiely despite the favourite’s disappointment. With Fairyhouse and Punchestown looming, the results at Navan could have a major impact on upcoming races in the Irish jumps season.
